It’s still early, but Illinois guard Andre Curbelo is already generating some NBA Draft buzz.

ESPN’s Jonathan Givony released his way-too-early 2022 mock draft on Friday, and Cureblo made an appearance early in the second round.

Givony projected Curbelo to be selected No. 34 overall by the Orlando Magic.

Last season, Curbelo was a solid contributor for the Illini as they won the Big Ten Tournament. As a freshman, Curbelo averaged 9.1 points and 4.2 assists per contest. He frequently showed off his his ability to be crafty with the ball, especially as a passer.

He’ll need to improve his 3-point stroke as that was a weakness in 2020-21 — both in volume and in efficiency. Illinois will also hope he improves at the free throw line this season. Last year, he shot 72.8 percent on 2.6 attempts per contest.

Curbelo will be joined by experienced big man Kofi Cockburn, who is returning to the Illini after weighing other options this offseason. There’s also Austin Hutcherson, who is starting to earn some preseason hype despite not having played a game in two years.

Curbelo should have a much bigger role in the back court this season, as Ayo Dosunmu (NBA) and Adam Miller (Transfer) have both left the program. He’s expected to start this season after earning Big Ten Sixth Man of the Year honors last year.